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Tutorial Sites, Youtube Channels & Software for Digital Art
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Tutorial Sites, Youtube Channels & Software for Digital ArtPosted:
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No matter what it is you pursue in life, training is necessary. Without learning the secrets, and tools of your trade, you will not succeed. I've put together a list of sites I've come across, that no matter what path in design you decide to take, will be beneficial. Some in fact do cost money. For those, I will provide my review of them to help you decide whether or not it s a good option for you.
I will add a few more sites, and youtube channels I recommend later. If you have some sources, share them in a comment below, and I'll add them to the list after giving them a look.
Sites
1. Photoshoplady [ Register or Signin to view external links. ] (free)
- Photoshop lady provides an online database of free tutorials for both Photoshop and Illustrator. These tutorials are from various artists around the web and redirects you to a site where the actual tutorial lives. On Photoshoplady, you can find tutorials for web design, photo manipulations, illustrations, and more. One of my personal favorites.
2. DeviantArt [ Register or Signin to view external links. ] (free)
- As well as being a place to gain both inspiration and material for your work, deviant art also has tutorials from various artists.
3. Tutsplus [ Register or Signin to view external links. ] (free but offers paid membership)
- Tutsplus offers both paid and free tutorials. There extensive collection of free tutorials covers areas such as web design. illustrations, 3D &motion graphics, and more.
4. Phlearn.com [ Register or Signin to view external links. ] (free but offers paid membership)
- You can see Phlearn videos on their site, or youtube channel. If you're interested in making professional photo effects to enhance your photographs or stocks, Phlearn is the place to go. The tutorials are solely based around Photoshop and photo editing.
5. Andei Oprica [ Register or Signin to view external links. ] (free but offers paid membership)
- You can see Andrei Oprica's tutorials on his site, or YouTube channel. His videos offer amazing insights on how to accomplish stunning photo effects in Photoshop. If you're interested in photo manipulating, Andrei is the guy.
6. Digital Tutors [ Register or Signin to view external links. ] (paid)
- Digital Tutors offers online training courses on software and tutorials in the for the creative professional. Digital Tutors offer training for software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Cinema 4D, 3Ds Max, ZBrush, Adobe After Effects, and a ton more. If it's used for design, they likely have a tutorial on it. The teachers are people from the trade who have worked with companies like Pixar, Dreamworkds, etc. An extensive collection of invaluable videos, and they have recently partnered with pluralsight.com to offer an extensive collection of technology based tutorials.
7. Lynda [ Register or Signin to view external links. ] (paid)
- Lynda.com is the place to go if you're looking to master some software. Lynda offers an unmatched collection of digital training videos. Like DigitalTutors, Lynda hires people from the trade to do their videos. You can also study specific topics such as logo design, animation, etc.
8. Gnomon Workshop [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
- Gnomon Workshops offers some of the best tutorial in topics surrounding visual effects. Tutorials covering 3D software such as Maya, 3Ds Max, Zbrush, and more, Gnomon is an unmatched site. It's only downfall is it's rather expensive subscription at almost $60.
9. Gumroad [ Register or Signin to view external links. ] (paid)
- Gumroad is the place to go if you want to find tutorials done by well known professional artists themselves. Tutorials ranging from "know hows" to learning software. You can enroll in courses for reasonable prices, and learn some amazing techniques very quickly.
Youtube Channels
Photo Editing/manipulating
3D Graphics/Modeling
Logo Design
Illustration (in AI)
Animation
1. Draw With Jazza [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
2. AMB Animation Academy [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
3. Ross Plaskowhttps://www.youtube.com/user/FloppydiskAnimation
4. Nook DaemonFilms [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
5. 3D TUTS [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
Drawing
Digital Painting
1. Xia Taptara [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
2. TincekMarincekART [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
3. Tyler Edlin [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
4. Stephanie Valentin [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
5. Nicholas Kay [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
UI Design
GFX
1. Rated Designs [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
2. Stratzeh [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
3. AqatixOfficial [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
4. Reflected [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
5. ImEraah [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
6. MetalicDzn [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
Software/Programs you can use
How to find the free version of software?
I will add a few more sites, and youtube channels I recommend later. If you have some sources, share them in a comment below, and I'll add them to the list after giving them a look.
Sites
1. Photoshoplady [ Register or Signin to view external links. ] (free)
- Photoshop lady provides an online database of free tutorials for both Photoshop and Illustrator. These tutorials are from various artists around the web and redirects you to a site where the actual tutorial lives. On Photoshoplady, you can find tutorials for web design, photo manipulations, illustrations, and more. One of my personal favorites.
2. DeviantArt [ Register or Signin to view external links. ] (free)
- As well as being a place to gain both inspiration and material for your work, deviant art also has tutorials from various artists.
3. Tutsplus [ Register or Signin to view external links. ] (free but offers paid membership)
- Tutsplus offers both paid and free tutorials. There extensive collection of free tutorials covers areas such as web design. illustrations, 3D &motion graphics, and more.
4. Phlearn.com [ Register or Signin to view external links. ] (free but offers paid membership)
- You can see Phlearn videos on their site, or youtube channel. If you're interested in making professional photo effects to enhance your photographs or stocks, Phlearn is the place to go. The tutorials are solely based around Photoshop and photo editing.
5. Andei Oprica [ Register or Signin to view external links. ] (free but offers paid membership)
- You can see Andrei Oprica's tutorials on his site, or YouTube channel. His videos offer amazing insights on how to accomplish stunning photo effects in Photoshop. If you're interested in photo manipulating, Andrei is the guy.
6. Digital Tutors [ Register or Signin to view external links. ] (paid)
- Digital Tutors offers online training courses on software and tutorials in the for the creative professional. Digital Tutors offer training for software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Cinema 4D, 3Ds Max, ZBrush, Adobe After Effects, and a ton more. If it's used for design, they likely have a tutorial on it. The teachers are people from the trade who have worked with companies like Pixar, Dreamworkds, etc. An extensive collection of invaluable videos, and they have recently partnered with pluralsight.com to offer an extensive collection of technology based tutorials.
7. Lynda [ Register or Signin to view external links. ] (paid)
- Lynda.com is the place to go if you're looking to master some software. Lynda offers an unmatched collection of digital training videos. Like DigitalTutors, Lynda hires people from the trade to do their videos. You can also study specific topics such as logo design, animation, etc.
8. Gnomon Workshop [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
- Gnomon Workshops offers some of the best tutorial in topics surrounding visual effects. Tutorials covering 3D software such as Maya, 3Ds Max, Zbrush, and more, Gnomon is an unmatched site. It's only downfall is it's rather expensive subscription at almost $60.
9. Gumroad [ Register or Signin to view external links. ] (paid)
- Gumroad is the place to go if you want to find tutorials done by well known professional artists themselves. Tutorials ranging from "know hows" to learning software. You can enroll in courses for reasonable prices, and learn some amazing techniques very quickly.
Youtube Channels
Photo Editing/manipulating
1. Andrei Oprinca [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
2. Flew Designs [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
3. Phlearn [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
4. Howard Pinsky [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
5. BlueLightningTv [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
6. Baka Arts [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
2. Flew Designs [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
3. Phlearn [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
4. Howard Pinsky [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
5. BlueLightningTv [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
6. Baka Arts [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
3D Graphics/Modeling
Logo Design
Illustration (in AI)
Animation
1. Draw With Jazza [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
2. AMB Animation Academy [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
3. Ross Plaskowhttps://www.youtube.com/user/FloppydiskAnimation
4. Nook DaemonFilms [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
5. 3D TUTS [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
Drawing
Digital Painting
1. Xia Taptara [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
2. TincekMarincekART [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
3. Tyler Edlin [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
4. Stephanie Valentin [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
5. Nicholas Kay [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
UI Design
GFX
1. Rated Designs [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
2. Stratzeh [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
3. AqatixOfficial [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
4. Reflected [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
5. ImEraah [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
6. MetalicDzn [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
Software/Programs you can use
The question of what software do I need to design (or "GFX" :crazy: ) comes through here a lot. Basically, I decided to make a post listing the various software options you have depending on your task at hand.
Image editing software
Illustration software (vector)
3D software (modeling, sculpting, etc.)
Image editing software
Photoshop [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
Recommended versions: CS5, CS5.5, CS6, CC (these can, but do not have to be extended)
Photoshop is industry standard for Photo manipulation, photo editing, and various other tasks related to graphic design. Whether you want to change the proportions on a model, design a web site, digital draw, or just make basic 3D text or shapes, Photoshop can do it.
Gimp [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
Recommended versions: 2.8 or higher
Gimp is one of the top free alternatives to Photoshop. Gimp offers any of the basic features that Photoshop offers. Though, the platform may not be as intuitive as Photoshop, Gimp may be a good option for those brand new to the field that do not want to spend a lot of money.
Pixlr [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
Pixlr is a free, web based alternative to Photoshop. Pixlr offers tools such as dodge, and burn, clone stamp, and more all from the comfort of your browser.
Pixelmator [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
*Mac only
Recommended version: 3.2 (most to date)
Price: $29.99
Pixelmator is a less expensive image editor. It's good for various photo editing tasks. It's interface, and toolset is very similar to that of Photoshop. If you're looking to just edit quality photos, this 2011 Best of Mac App Store winner should be an option.
Recommended versions: CS5, CS5.5, CS6, CC (these can, but do not have to be extended)
Photoshop is industry standard for Photo manipulation, photo editing, and various other tasks related to graphic design. Whether you want to change the proportions on a model, design a web site, digital draw, or just make basic 3D text or shapes, Photoshop can do it.
Gimp [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
Recommended versions: 2.8 or higher
Gimp is one of the top free alternatives to Photoshop. Gimp offers any of the basic features that Photoshop offers. Though, the platform may not be as intuitive as Photoshop, Gimp may be a good option for those brand new to the field that do not want to spend a lot of money.
Pixlr [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
Pixlr is a free, web based alternative to Photoshop. Pixlr offers tools such as dodge, and burn, clone stamp, and more all from the comfort of your browser.
Pixelmator [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
*Mac only
Recommended version: 3.2 (most to date)
Price: $29.99
Pixelmator is a less expensive image editor. It's good for various photo editing tasks. It's interface, and toolset is very similar to that of Photoshop. If you're looking to just edit quality photos, this 2011 Best of Mac App Store winner should be an option.
Illustration software (vector)
Adobe Illustrator [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
Recommended versions: CS5 or higher
Adobe Illustrator is arguably the most used vector based software. If you're looking for a software to make logos, illustrations, badges, etc. Illustrator is a good choice. Illustrator has unmatched features, but it's interface can take some time to master.
Sketch [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
*Mac only
Price: $79.99
Recommended version: 2 or higher
From websites and application interfaces to icons and buttons, Sketch is perfect for designing the essential elements of modern software. Its also amazingly easy to use, especially for designers already familiar with software like Adobe Illustrator.
CorelDRAW [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
*Windows only
Price: $200 or subscription
A professional vector graphics editing application, CorelDRAW is one of the most popular professional vector design applications on the market. CorelDRAW isnt just one application its actually a suite of applications including a bitmap image editor, photo editor and more. Priced in line with Adobes software, its primary audience is professional designers looking for an Illustrator alternative.
Sketchbook [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
Price: $65 or $24.99/year
Available for phone, tablet, and desktop
Sketchbook is one of the best software for digital drawing. Whether you're creating cartoon characters, illustrations, logos, or doing a bit of digital painting you should consider having Sketchbook in your arsenal.
Recommended versions: CS5 or higher
Adobe Illustrator is arguably the most used vector based software. If you're looking for a software to make logos, illustrations, badges, etc. Illustrator is a good choice. Illustrator has unmatched features, but it's interface can take some time to master.
Sketch [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
*Mac only
Price: $79.99
Recommended version: 2 or higher
From websites and application interfaces to icons and buttons, Sketch is perfect for designing the essential elements of modern software. Its also amazingly easy to use, especially for designers already familiar with software like Adobe Illustrator.
CorelDRAW [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
*Windows only
Price: $200 or subscription
A professional vector graphics editing application, CorelDRAW is one of the most popular professional vector design applications on the market. CorelDRAW isnt just one application its actually a suite of applications including a bitmap image editor, photo editor and more. Priced in line with Adobes software, its primary audience is professional designers looking for an Illustrator alternative.
Sketchbook [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
Price: $65 or $24.99/year
Available for phone, tablet, and desktop
Sketchbook is one of the best software for digital drawing. Whether you're creating cartoon characters, illustrations, logos, or doing a bit of digital painting you should consider having Sketchbook in your arsenal.
3D software (modeling, sculpting, etc.)
Autodesk Maya [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
Maya is a professional 3D software. It's platform is quite hard to learn in comparison to Cinema 4D and 3ds Max. Maya is used extensively in the industry for CG, 3D modeling, character creation, 3D animation, etc. Maya is a definite option for those serious about 3D.
Autodesk 3ds Max [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
3ds Max, like Maya is extensively used in the industry, and a professional 3D software. It's platform is easier to grasp than Maya. 3ds Max can be considered when doing 3D modeling, character creation, animation, game development, etc.
Cinema 4D [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
Cinema 4D is 3D software that's considered more user friendly than 3ds Max and Maya. When used, correctly, Cinema 4D can create beautiful renders. If you're interested in making simple architecture design, 3D modeling, sculpting, etc. Cinema 4D is a good option.
zBrush [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
zBrush is a superb, professional software for digital sculpting. zBrush is used by many concept artists, character creators, and pretty much any digital sculptor.
Mudbox [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
Mudbox is a great software for digital painting, and sculpting. Mudbox is created by Autodesk, so you know that you're getting a quality product. Not as popular as zBrush, Mudbox can still create some quality sculptures.
Maya is a professional 3D software. It's platform is quite hard to learn in comparison to Cinema 4D and 3ds Max. Maya is used extensively in the industry for CG, 3D modeling, character creation, 3D animation, etc. Maya is a definite option for those serious about 3D.
Autodesk 3ds Max [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
3ds Max, like Maya is extensively used in the industry, and a professional 3D software. It's platform is easier to grasp than Maya. 3ds Max can be considered when doing 3D modeling, character creation, animation, game development, etc.
Cinema 4D [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
Cinema 4D is 3D software that's considered more user friendly than 3ds Max and Maya. When used, correctly, Cinema 4D can create beautiful renders. If you're interested in making simple architecture design, 3D modeling, sculpting, etc. Cinema 4D is a good option.
zBrush [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
zBrush is a superb, professional software for digital sculpting. zBrush is used by many concept artists, character creators, and pretty much any digital sculptor.
Mudbox [ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
Mudbox is a great software for digital painting, and sculpting. Mudbox is created by Autodesk, so you know that you're getting a quality product. Not as popular as zBrush, Mudbox can still create some quality sculptures.
How to find the free version of software?
Last edited by var ; edited 17 times in total
The following 2 users thanked var for this useful post:
czr (08-15-2014), Breaking_Benjamin (08-15-2014)
#2. Posted:
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This awesome Hill-Henry!
It's great for those starting out and for those that aren't new to creating graphics. Learning something new/ or different doesn't hurt it just makes you better and expands your knowledge.
I've heard and have been on some of these but the others I will check out for sure!
It's great for those starting out and for those that aren't new to creating graphics. Learning something new/ or different doesn't hurt it just makes you better and expands your knowledge.
I've heard and have been on some of these but the others I will check out for sure!
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#3. Posted:
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I've added some youtube channels and categorized them. If any of you have more, I'd love to see them.
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#4. Posted:
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Last update: Expanded the YouTube section to add the following topics: digital painting, drawing, animation, UI design, and GFX. I plan to add references to good books soon.
Last edited by var ; edited 1 time in total
Last edited by var ; edited 1 time in total
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#5. Posted:
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I'll check these out man appreciate this, been looking for a thread like this
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#6. Posted:
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I decided to combine this thread with my Software thread. You can now find software and programs that are commonly used by digital artists. I will add miscellaneous tutorials soon.
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#7. Posted:
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Really good list man! Could help a lot of people out that are getting started! Much Appreciated!
-Mercer
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#8. Posted:
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Very useful topic we got here, thanks for this im definitely going to refer back to this if I ever need it in the future!
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